ISLAMABAD: Widespread international condemnation has followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and establish long-term U.S. control over the region, as revealed during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump suggested that Palestinians would “love to leave” Gaza and envisioned U.S. oversight of the territory to rebuild it and create jobs. His remarks have been sharply criticized as a violation of international law and a threat to stability in the Middle East.
The proposal has been described by critics as a dangerous blueprint for ethnic cleansing, fueling concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the rights of Palestinian people.
Saudi Arabia’s Strong Rejection
Saudi Arabia issued a firm response to Trump’s statements, reiterating its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people,” the ministry said in a statement.
Riyadh also made it clear that normalization of relations with Israel would not be possible without the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state based on international agreements.
“Our stance is firm and non-negotiable,” the statement added, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s longstanding advocacy for the two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace in the region.
Hamas Condemn Proposal
Palestinian factions were quick to condemn the U.S. president’s remarks. Hamas described the plan as “a recipe for chaos and destabilization.” Senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri called the idea an attempt to “expel Palestinians from their homeland,” vowing resistance against any forced relocation.
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) also issued a statement rejecting Trump’s proposal. PLO Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh emphasized the group’s commitment to international law and the two-state solution.
“Our people will never abandon their rightful homeland,” he said, urging the international community to reject Trump’s dangerous rhetoric.
Wider International Backlash
Russia’s Firm Warning
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly opposed the plan, warning against the use of collective punishment and forced population transfers. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s stance that peace could only be achieved through diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international law.
China’s Call for Peaceful Resolution
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned Trump’s statements, urging respect for the rights of Palestinians. “The forced displacement of Gaza’s population is unacceptable,” a ministry spokesperson said. Beijing called for renewed efforts toward a political settlement based on the two-state solution.
Turkey’s Outrage
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan labeled Trump’s comments “dangerous and unacceptable.” He warned that disregarding Palestinian rights would only lead to further conflict and instability.
“Turkey will reassess its diplomatic relations if Palestinian oppression continues,” Fidan stated, emphasizing Ankara’s commitment to supporting Gaza and its people.
European Union’s Stand
A spokesperson for the European Union reiterated the bloc’s support for a negotiated two-state solution. The EU warned against unilateral actions that could undermine peace prospects, stressing the need to preserve the rights of Palestinians.
Australian Government’s Balanced Stance
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese maintained his country’s support for a two-state solution but refrained from directly criticizing Trump’s remarks. “We continue to support ceasefires, humanitarian aid, and hostages’ release as critical steps toward peace,” Albanese said.
US Political Response
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy described Trump’s plan as “reckless and dangerous.” He warned that it could lead to prolonged conflict and jeopardize American interests in the region.
Meanwhile, Senator Chris Van Hollen condemned the proposal as “ethnic cleansing disguised as diplomacy.” He criticized the move for undermining decades of bipartisan U.S. support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Rights Organizations and NGOs
Amnesty International’s executive director Paul O’Brien strongly denounced the proposal, calling it “a violation of international law and an affront to humanity.”
“Gaza belongs to its people,” O’Brien said, urging the global community to reject any plan that displaces Palestinians.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) described the remarks as a “dangerous escalation.” CAIR warned that such actions would spark widespread conflict and irreparably damage the U.S.’s international standing.
Regional Stability at Risk
Experts warn that Trump’s comments could further destabilize an already volatile region. Analysts have expressed concerns that such rhetoric could embolden Israeli hardliners and weaken Palestinian resistance movements’ ability to negotiate for a just solution.
Conclusion
The global outcry against Trump’s Gaza proposal underscores the widespread rejection of forced displacement as a political strategy. From Riyadh to Ankara, Beijing to Washington, the message is clear: any attempt to uproot Palestinians from their homeland will face staunch opposition from both international leaders and grassroots movements alike.
